365 days... and Marley.

It's pretty sad that I've come to the realization that it's been almost exactly one year since updating a blog that helped me meet so many great people over a period of time.

So... I'm back.

People continuously tell me I live a life that others should read and hear about, so I might as well get back to writing. Whether it's hysterical or motivating or just plain odd, someone, somewhere, will want to be in on it.

But I've decided I don't want the focus of my blogging to be based on bitching and moaning like some  (and don't get me wrong, I'm sure there will be the occasional B&M day...) but I think I want the focus to be more centered on stories of day to day living, along with my consistent training for some kind of race. But also to document my daily struggles with food. I think struggles become easier when you have the world on your side, because face it, we all struggle with s-o-m-e-t-h-i-n-g.

Since falling off a year ago, I've added a rather ranbunctious puppy to my household. That makes three four legged children. Bella, Oliver and Marley. It sure makes a house that's only 11 feet wide VERY exciting. When I began the search for a dog last August, I knew I wanted  Pointer mix. Pointers are known for their agility, intelligence, companionship and most of all, ability to run long distances. I had contacted several rescue agencies and decided to take a trip up to my local SPCA to see what was there. Low and behold, sitting in one of the pens, was a Pointer/Spaniel mix. He was 5 months old. What are the odds of that?! It must have been meant to be.

What I didn't know, was his "story" before moving to Roland Heights. I knew he had no hair around his neck, but figured this was because he wore a collar that was too tight. Over time, I began to believe this was no longer true, but that Marley lived outside 24/7. He would clean up after himself as soon as he went to the bathroom. He is scared of rain and loud noises and doesn't like to stay outside alone.  He won't go for walks with anything around his neck, so he needs a harness, or else he'll just lay down. He also needs a lot of positive praise to get through the walk, meaning... running hasn't even come close yet. I keep telling myself I saved a dog, but had no idea he'd be this much work.

But, at the end of the day, it's worth it. Some days he has yet to realize what has happened to him previously, won't happen to him here. He'll drop to the floor when I crack lasagna noodles, or reach up high to open a cabinet. Yet, he's always my stand in on the other side of the bed and he still has the ability to love me unconditionally. He will always be in whatever room I am, snuggled up right next to my leg leaning on me for love and support. He is in fact, a 50 pound lap dog that happens to be a beautiful boy.